Washington D.C. – Today, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) issued the following statement welcoming news that Roberto Azevedo has been appointed to a second term as Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). NFTC President Rufus Yerxa said:

"The National Foreign Trade Council welcomes today's announcement that Roberto Azevedo has been appointed as Director General of the WTO for a second term. As Director-General, Azevedo has put an important focus on the role of promoting global engagement among small and medium-sized businesses to improve economic development, and his first term was marked by successes that would not have been possible without his leadership, including the conclusion and implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the conclusion of an updated Information Technology Agreement."

"Despite the difficult global environment today on trade issues, he is as experienced and capable a chief as the WTO could hope for."

NFTC Vice President for Global Trade Issues Jake Colvin said:

"Director-General Azevedo has done a tremendous job of putting points on the board for the WTO. Over the next four years, his unique diplomatic skill set will be called upon frequently as WTO members grapple with the best way to shape new global rules on everything from agriculture to digital trade."

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About the NFTCServing America's Global Businesses Since 1914- The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules- based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.Follow us on: